Supply List REQ... :)

[sk888smooth]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a corner 1/4 circle 40gal tank and convert it to a Dart Frog Viv. I'm really looking for links of step-by-step instructions including lists of supplies.

What I really need to figure out is how to create a solid back/wall to the viv without ruining the tank (putting foam directly on there) and what type/species of plants and moss to put in the tank.

How many are safe to have in a 40 gal?

Will a fogger that turns on a few times a day for a length of time be able to replace a misting system, or is a misting system essential?

Thank you very much!

Kory

[Tindomul1of9]

What if you figured out some way to foam a sheet of wood and then attach the wood to the back glass of your tank? Would that help?
I've never used a fogger so Im not sure on how it compares to a mister, but my question would be, would the fog reach the top and therefore water the plant all the way up there???
How many darts are safe to put in any sized tank really depends on the species. Some are very territorial, and some, like D. leucomelas tend to congregate alot, and like being in groups.
WELCOME TO VIVARIUM FORUMS!

[Landon]

Originally Posted by sk888smooth

Hi,

I'm looking to get a corner 1/4 circle 40gal tank and convert it to a Dart Frog Viv. I'm really looking for links of step-by-step instructions including lists of supplies.

check out these links.
http://www.blackjungle.com/info.htm

http://www.blackjungle.com/gallery/talltank/page1.html


What I really need to figure out is how to create a solid back/wall to the viv without ruining the tank (putting foam directly on there) and what type/species of plants and moss to put in the tank.

BJ should give you some good plant ideas also.

moss is an iffy subject. it seems to be somewhat of a shot in the dark to find ones that grow long term in vivs. the most frequent sucess comes from some aquatic species like java moss, and the like.

an acrylic or styrofoam panel would be an option if you want it easily removable, but as long as you skip the "coat of silicone" step, great stuff will be relatively easy to remove down the road.


How many are safe to have in a 40 gal?

if you mean plants, thats really up to you. if you mean animals, that is species specific as stated above


Will a fogger that turns on a few times a day for a length of time be able to replace a misting system, or is a misting system essential?

a fogger can definatly aid in keeping stable humidity and can help aid in plant growth, but misting is neccesary to wash the frog poo of the plants and glass. fairly frequent hand misting can take care of this though, and i find myself still hand misting every now and again to wash down areas that dont get all they need from my automated system.


Thank you very much!

Kory

good luck! and happy viv building!!

[sk888smooth]

Thanks a bunch both of you! I was checking out blackjungle earlier. I think I'll build from their ideas.

Thanks!

[zaroba]

if you use wood for the back be sure to seal it VERY well so it doesn't rot. imagine if you had the tank set up for a year or two, you wouldn't want to have to rebuild it every few months due to the wood rotting, so seal it with something that can handle constant contact with moisture (i hear Marine Epoxy is good). don't use treated wood to avoid the rotting issue as it can leach possibly dangerous chemicals into the tank which could harm the plants and animals.

you could also use a plastic sheet like a piece of a pvc pond liner and just silicon it to the back. it will still peal off easily in the future if you want to disassemble the tank and the silicon can be scraped off the glass with a razor blade.

[Landon]

Originally Posted by zaroba

if you use wood for the back be sure to seal it VERY well so it doesn't rot.

there are woods that wont rot in viv conditions (for a long time anyway). ive got some root wood that has been in my tanks (aquariums and vivariums) for about 5 years now. its been completely submerged or exposed to high humidity the whole time. its grown some mold herre and there, but has never shown any signs of rot.

in general root woods from tropical climates work well, as well as some roots from desert and temperate climates.

if you are unsure about a type of wood but really want to use it a 2 part marine epoxy would be the best route to seal it IMO. ive used the West Systems and evercoat brands and highly prefer the WS. just be sure the wood is 100% dry before sealing it. if there is any moisture sealed in the wood, it will surely rot.